Mike Norvell faces a $13.5 million decision after firing
The former Florida State head coach can buy out his contract to pursue a new head job, an offensive coordinator role, or a year away.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Mike Norvell is owed $13.5 million in a buyout that ranks as the third-largest in college football history.
Florida State terminated the coach on Sunday after a 36-24 defeat to Clemson. That loss dropped the Seminoles to a 3-5 record. The payout allows Norvell to be selective about his next move in 2027.
Industry sources say Norvell prefers another head coaching position. He has four seasons with 10 or more wins and a perfect 13-0 regular season in 2023. His reputation as a strong offensive mind makes him a candidate for open chairs. A return to Memphis is a possibility if Charles Huff leaves for a Power Four job. Norvell knows the resources there. North Carolina State is focused on Philip Rivers, which likely removes the Wolfpack from consideration. The searches at Maryland and Baylor are still early, so Norvell could emerge as a candidate there.
If a head coaching fit does not appear, Norvell may take an offensive coordinator role. Oregon and Oklahoma are both seeking new coordinators after firing Drew Mehringer and Ben Arbuckle. Norvell shares a long friendship with Oregon head coach Dan Lanning. They worked together on three staffs, including at Memphis when Norvell hired Lanning as an inside linebackers coach. Both Oregon and Oklahoma are led by defensive-minded head coaches who need to nail this hire. Working for them could be an easier transition for Norvell than jumping straight to another head job.
Norvell would likely lose money by taking a new job because he would have to pay state income taxes that reduce his buyout obligations. However, staying in the mix keeps his visibility high. Last cycle, three coaches who were fired as head coaches returned to the role as assistants after one year. Neal Brown went to North Texas. Blake Anderson went to Southern Miss. Will Hall went to Tulane. Anderson and Hall both became head coaches internally after their previous superiors left.
Taking a year off is the least preferred option for Norvell. A break would allow him to reset and build a plan for his next staff. He could visit schools and consult informally to stay involved. The downside is that coaches who stay out of the sport for too long struggle to return. Pat Fitzgerald landed at Michigan State after an off year, but his case was unique. Bill Belichick took the North Carolina job after a media year, also a unique situation. Jimbo Fisher has been out since 2023 and has not gained traction in recent searches. Ed Orgeron also missed his chance at Oregon State last year and is now on Lane Kiffin’s staff at LSU.
The timeline for the next hiring cycle is moving quickly. Norvell must decide whether to leverage his buyout for a specific role or wait for the right opportunity to present itself.
